Raptors close home schedule vs. Hornets, feel optimistic about future

April 9 - The Toronto Raptors are out of the playoff picture, but there is a feeling of optimism about the future as they complete their home schedule Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets.

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said he is impressed by the players' approach and energy in what has been a learning season.

"That's what you want to see," he said Tuesday. "You want to see guys invested and working hard ... almost like focusing on next season."

The Raptors (29-50) are coming off a 120-109 road win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday that ended a three-game losing streak. Before the skid, they had won four in a row.

One of the reasons for Toronto's optimism is the play of such rookies as…